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Routine lab tests catch hidden health issues early, helping your pet live a longer, healthier life. Schedule preventive screenings today for peace of mind and personalized care.


Beyond Vaccines: Why Routine Lab Testing Is Essential for Your Pet

As summer heats up, so does the risk of dehydration in pets. Dogs and cats, just like humans, need proper hydration to stay healthy, especially in the scorching days of July. Whether heading out for a beach day or just enjoying a backyard BBQ, keeping your furry friends cool, hydrated, and safe is crucial. In this post, we'll explore the signs of dehydration, tips for keeping your pets hydrated, and how your veterinary clinic can help.

Veterinary Advice: Spotting and Preventing Pet Dehydration This Summer

Whether you're a new cat parent or a seasoned pro, this guide has everything you need to help your cat thrive all month.



Ultimate Guide to Cat Care: Keep Your Feline Happy and Healthy

March is Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month - learn how to protect your pets from hidden household dangers like toxic foods, plants, and chemicals. This guide covers key risks, emergency tips, and prevention strategies to keep your furry friends safe.



Toxic to Pets: Household Dangers Every Owner Should Know

As our beloved pets age, their healthcare needs evolve significantly. While regular veterinary care is essential for pets of all ages, senior pets require a more tailored approach to ensure they enjoy a healthy, active life in their golden years. Explore the differences between senior pet wellness and regular veterinary care, highlighting the importance of specialized attention for aging pets.

Understanding Senior Pet Wellness Care: A Guide for Pet Owners

Gardner Animal Care Center

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Proudly serving the citizens of Gardner and it's surrounding areas.


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Since 1988, the goal of the veterinarians and staff at Gardner Animal Care Center has been to assemble and maintain a veterinary health care team committed to providing exceptional client service and veterinary health care. The Gardner Animal Care Center displays an unrivaled commitment to our clients through continuing education, technological advances in veterinary medicine and service, and, most importantly, providing compassionate care to all pets entrusted to us. We care for pets throughout central Massachusetts and serve the areas of Gardner, Fitchburg, Worcester, Leominster, Athol, Rindge, and Keene, NH.

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As cold winter weather slowly slips away and warm spring temperatures arrive, sluggish parasites wake up. This makes April the perfect time for Prevention of Lyme Disease in Dogs Month. Take action to reduce your pet’s likelihood of giving ticks a ride—or a meal—and learn how to spot common Lyme disease signs to ensure your four-legged friend gets the treatment they need.&nbsp;Lyme disease signs in dogsLyme disease is one of the most common tick-borne illnesses in the world, but only 5% to 10% of affected dogs show signs, and illness may not appear for months after the initial bite.&nbsp;Lyme disease signs in dogs can include:<ul><li>Shifting-leg lameness</li><li>Lethargy</li><li>Fever</li><li>Swollen lymph nodes</li><li>Inappetence</li><li>Painful, inflamed joints</li></ul>Antibiotics can reduce, but not always completely eliminate, the Lyme-causing bacterium and chronic disease can develop. The signs can wax and wane as your dog’s illness recurs. Although uncommon, kidney disease can also develop, evidenced by vomiting, diarrhea, and increased thirst and urination.&nbsp;How to protect your pet from Lyme diseaseLyme disease can not only affect you but also can have lifelong effects on your pet’s health. You can protect your pet and family from the serious problems that the disease causes with the following steps:<ul><li>Cut your lawn — Ticks are rarely found in short grass, so regularly mow your yard.</li></ul><ul><li>Refrain from walking in tick habitat — While walking in the woods can be a great adventure for your pet, tall brush and leafy debris are prime spots for ticks.</li></ul><ul><li>Check your pet — Search your pet thoroughly for crawling or attached ticks. Prime spots include near the ears, in the groin, under the tail, and between the toes.</li></ul><ul><li>Administer tick prevention — <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="link" href="https://southcherokeevethospital.securevetsource.com/index.pml">Monthly tick prevention</a> will shield your pet against Lyme disease by killing ticks before they have a chance to transmit the pathogen.</li></ul><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="link" href="https://southcherokee.net/pet-wellness-check-up-exams-woodstock-ga/">Vaccinate</a> your pet — <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="link" href="https://southcherokee.net/">Ask your veterinarian</a> if Lyme vaccination is right for your dog.</li></ul>&nbsp;Lyme disease can lead to lifelong illness in your pet, but <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="link" href="https://southcherokeevethospital.securevetsource.com/index.pml">regular tick prevention</a> can defend your four-legged friend. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="link" href="https://southcherokee.net/woodstock-ga-veterinary-appointment/">Contact our team</a> to determine which tick preventive is best for your pet.

Learn how to protect your dog from Lyme disease this spring with effective tick prevention, early symptom recognition, and expert veterinary care.



Protect Your Pet from Lyme Disease

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We love educating our clients, that's why we have curated and shared posts filled with helpful information regarding pet care.

Gardner Animal Care Center accepts Cash, Checks and Credit/Debit cards along with other financing options mentioned bellow.

We are pleased to offer access to several financing options.

Receive Automatic Reminders, Request Appointments 24/7,Your Pet's Organizer App and Save Notes, Pics & Much More!

Download our app and connect with us on PetDesk. Maintaining your pet's health from your mobile device has never been easier.

Here are our videos to help you understand more topics in depth.

Please complete these forms online, or fill them out and bring them with you to the hospital at the time of your appointment.

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Gardner Animal Care Center has been a trusted source of comprehensive veterinary care since 1988.

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Extra availability when it matters most - your pet's health can't always wait until Monday.

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Additional Services

General Services

Speciality Services

Obedience Training

Get your pet's medications, food, and preventatives delivered straight to your door - fast and easy.


Pharmacy

Pharmacy Home Delivery

Safe, supervised care for your pet while you're away - with plenty of attention, play, and comfort.


Boarding & Daycare

A quick microchip gives your pet a permanent ID and increases their chance of being reunited if lost.


Microchipping

Treat and prevent internal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms with trusted care.


Deworming

Deworming & Parasite Control

Spaying or neutering helps prevent health issues, unwanted litters, and certain behavior challenges.


Spay & Neuter

Protect your pet from fleas, ticks, heartworms, and more with year-round parasite prevention plans.


Parasite Prevention

Get expert guidance on your pet's nutrition, weight, and feeding to support lifelong wellness.


Nutrition & Diet Counseling

Protect your pet from preventable diseases with customized vaccine schedules for every life stage.

Vaccinations

Keep your pet healthy with routine wellness exams, early detection, and personalized care plans.

Wellness & Exams

We care for exotic pets with species-specific expertise and heart.


Exotic Pet Care

Non-invasive laser therapy helps reduce pain, speed healing, and improve mobility for pets of all ages.


Protect Your Pet from Lyme Disease

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Frequently Asked Questions

Protect Your Pet from Lyme Disease

Recent Blog

Beyond Vaccines: Why Routine Lab Testing Is Essential for Your Pet

Veterinary Advice: Spotting and Preventing Pet Dehydration This Summer

Ultimate Guide to Cat Care: Keep Your Feline Happy and Healthy

Related Blog

The Importance of Regular Dental Cleanings for Your Pet

A Guide to Your New Puppy or Kitten: Health, Training, and Tips for 2025

Your Guide to a Smooth Transition: Tips for Adopting a Shelter Pet

Frequently Asked Questions

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